I'm a twenty-six year old 
I’ve been having a hard time lately. This whole summer has been hard. I feel like I keep getting hit with one thing after another, and the optimism I’ve been working so hard to keep is currently faltering. I’m trying so hard to remind myself that things are the way they are for a reason, that I don’t need to worry about what I should do because there are no wrong decisions. That’s the only thing that’s kept me going.
For whatever reason, I’ve become more spiritual this summer. I had a thought a few months ago — that maybe some people have to go through hell in order to see that there is some Good in the world. My heart has been broken several times in the past few months — more times that it should have in such a short amount of time — and yet I feel like everything is still going to be okay.
I don’t know why things are the way they are right now, but I feel like there is some reason. Maybe I’m supposed to learn or gain something from my current situation. Maybe it will eventually work out. Maybe it won’t, but it’ll lead me to something that does. I’m trying to realize that not knowing is okay. I hate not having the answers, I hate not knowing where things are going, I hate not having a definite future. Maybe accepting those things and accepting that I can’t control everything is part of why this is happening.
All I can do is try, and I know that. I can’t fix everything or make everything what I want it to be, but I can keep pushing forward and making life what I can. I can be sad and hurt, but eventually I need to pick myself up, change out of my pajamas, and live the life that I have in the best way I can. All I have is this moment, and there’s no sense in dwelling on the past or worrying about the future if I can’t fix either right now.
All I can do is make do with what I have and mend myself.
I’m over at my parents’ house writing this because my power cord has completely died. I had been able to hold it in with one hand to use the computer, but it gave up yesterday. I am not pleased. I’ve also been working a ton, running errands for people, and generally not having a single moment to myself. Oh, and my twenty year old sister has the flu. Probably The Flu. Yep, that one. Who wants to bet I come down with it in less than a week?
As promised last week, here is my FF entry with all sorts of things that make me think of the upcoming season. I plan to carry this list on into next week!
Acorn necklace
from Peaches4Me
Woodland fascinator
from thehoneycomb
Harvest yarn wreath
from KnockKnocking
Acorn stamp
from Corrabelle
Ivory stag locket
from locket2you
Hand-carved return address label
from sugarskull77
“Stained Glass” 8×8 photograph
from shannonpix
FALL sign letter
from oldcrowfarm
Whoops. I forgot to list the prices. I’m too tired, y’all.
The power cord to my laptop broke, and I have literally been holding it in with one hand for about the past hour until the battery had over a 25% charge, so please excuse my lateness. Oh, and I’ve worked every day since Monday and don’t get a day off until Tuesday. I’m miserable and exhausted.
I had planned to do it this week, but next week I’ll be doing a special FF on autumn-related finds. If you’re selling anything or have found anything online (doesn’t have to be Etsy) that makes you think of fall, comment with a link!
The following are all things I purchased in the past couple of weeks. I can’t believe how much I’ve spent on myself since getting my job.
Bloom personalized stationery
from Silhouette Blue
I bought these in pool. I cannot describe how gorgeous they are, and I really hate not having a camera. (I plan on taking a TON of pictures of things I’ve bought once I get one.)
Vintage green wall organizer
from violet64
I’d been wanting this for awhile, and when my Adsense check came in, I snatched it up. It’s adorable, and I can’t wait to start using it!
Vintage-style cotton jar
from BlueCaravan
Another item I’d been drooling over. The thing is huge and awesome. Now I just need cotton balls…
Rose and feather fascinator with bird
from beevintagehoney
And the third item I bought with my Adsense money. GAH! It is so gorgeous, and I can’t wait to wear it out.
Springtime animals “Chloe” apron
from Boojiboo
I’ve been wanting an apron from Boojiboo for as long as I’ve known about Etsy, and I finally splurged on this one. It is so incredibly cute.
So I need letters to send and receive, cotton balls, a place to go to wear my fascinator, a day off, and something to bake, and I’ll be good!
Congratulations, Leaa!
If you didn’t win, don’t fret! I will be having another contest soon!
Don’t forget — Sunday is the last day to enter the contest to win anything under $20 from my store!
Owl tape measure – $18
from feltmates
The cuteness. is. killing me.
Hostess apron -$27
from spicerakdesigns
How perfect a hostess apron is this?!
Knitware vases – $60
from alyssaettinger
I have been coveting a knit-print vase or mug for over a year now. These are gorgeous.
Vinyl wall phrases (set of eight) – $19
from TastySuite
I love, love the idea of having the outside of one’s door read “hello” and the inside read “good-bye.”
Deer headband – $32
from prettygoodthings
Yes, dear readers, I would absolutely wear this around the house and to the store. I’m either weird or extremely fabulous. Let’s pretend the latter — and who wouldn’t look fabulous in this?!
“Hello” necklace – $95
Squirrel & branch earrings – $46
both from Joannarutter
The cutest, sweetest jewelry I’ve seen in the longest time. It’s so friendly and cheerful, and I absolutely love it.
Black dress with ruffle collar – $945
from louiseblack
Would I wear this with the deer headband? Yes. Yes, I would.
I also discovered Operation Nice this week. The whole premise of the site and movement is to be nice. I’ve been told I’m too nice, and it’s true, but I’ve found that smiling when others are irritable towards you is the best way to live life. So next time you’re out and in a long line, or someone cuts you off in traffic, or a customer yells at you about something totally not your fault, just smile your way through it. You may want to punch yourself in the face initially and find yourself snarling through a grin, but if you remember that everyone is human and that being angry is just a waste of time, you’ll probably find yourself in a better place in life. Or just punching yourself over the cheesiness you exude, but it’s worth a shot, right? Hey, it’s working for me. (And I’ll post about my optimism experiment when I have a chance.)
Currently coveting:
- Most of the stuff from last week!
- Pink depression glass
- Ornate picture frames
- A birdcage veil
- Deer, squirrels, owls, and foxes
